Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told chief ministers that many questions regarding coronavirus vaccines still remained unanswered but at the same time urged them to prepare the necessary mechanism, including cold storage, for delivery.

Modi on Tuesday held a virtual interaction with chief ministers, including Mamata Banerjee, to discuss the pandemic and preparedness for vaccine delivery. Special emphasis was given to eight states where the Covid situation continues to pose a concern — Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bengal, Maharashtra, Haryana and Chhattisgarh.

The Prime Minister said the development of different vaccines was in the “last stage” but stressed that many questions such as the number of doses and price were still unanswered.

Modi also referred to competition among corporate houses and countries in vaccine production. He, however, stressed that vaccination would start only after proper scientific and regulatory clearance.

“Whichever vaccine India gives to its citizens will be safe on all scientific standards,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi said that providing vaccines to each and every citizen was a “national commitment” that would be achieved together with the states and urged the chief ministers to start preparations for the massive exercise.

“Our priority is to make vaccines available to all. The states should put in place the necessary mechanism, including more cold storages,” Modi said. According to him, priority — or who all should get the vaccine first — should be decided by the states.